Niki Adams of the Ola Lady Mustangs said she is going to enjoy her last game of softball at the 52nd annual All-Star games in Fayetteville. Adams will play at 5 p.m. today at Lady 'Back Yard with other area softball players, representing the best from the Arkansas River Valley. Adams, who was a versatile defensive player for the Lady Mustangs, will most likely play first base or outfield in the All-Star game.

"I love the sport, and I'm excited I get to play it one more time," Adams said. "I'm very honored. This is the greatest honor I've ever had and it means a lot to me."

"It's just a worthwhile experience for her," Ola softball coach J.D. Keeling said. "I just think she's a good kid and it's a good honor to highlight her sports career, and I'm really proud of her."

Adam's is the second-ever All-Star softball player in Ola history, and the second player in the last four years to represent the Mustangs in an All-star game. Ola finished17-3 last season but lost in regional play. Keeling said Adams was a four-year starter who moved to first base this year and has played it as well as anybody they've seen.

"She's not a big stick, but her speciality would be defense," Keeling said. "She's a hand on the defensive side, I'll tell you that.

"Niki is unselfish. She does whatever is needed for the team. She's always stepped up and done it," Keeling said. "I'm really proud of her. She's a good kid."

Adams moved to various positions throughout her career from outfield to second base and now first base. Keeling said Adams will likely play first base or in the outfield during the All-Star game, and said it's an honor for her to play with the best.

"I think Niki will take away long lasting friendships from the All-Star game," Keeling said. "It's just a great honor to be selected by the other coaches in the state. It's something she'll always be able to remember and hang onto.

"She's done a tremendous job on the field and has sacrificed her body for the good of the team. She's kind of getting paid back for that. I think she'll do justice to our community and program. More than anything, I think she'll show people what kind of a great person she is."

Keeling said Adams has been a leader on and off the softball field. Adams said Keeling was a great friend, made softball enjoyable for her and said Keeling was the best coach she ever had.

"I was really shocked that they picked me," Adams said. "Coach Keeling is a really good friend of mine and that's what made softball so enjoyable for me."

Adams said there was pressure to play well in the All-Star game, but she wanted to play and have fun. She said she plans to attend Arkansas Tech but would not play sports. Adams said she hoped to make friends at the All-Star game

"Everyone here is amazing. It's crazy because they are all so good," Adams said. "I hope to make some friends and enjoy this experience, because this it will be the last time I ever play softball."

Adams will join Dardanelle's Heather Canerday and play for the West girls softball team, while facing Atkins' Chelsea Riley of the East team.